Domperidone

• The usual dose of domperidone for adults is 10mg (one tablet) 3 to 4 times a day. Don't take more than 4 doses (40mg) in a 24 hour period. This can increase your chance of side effects. 
• Domperidone should be taken for a short period of time only (usually not longer than seven days) at the lowest dose to have an effect. If you're taking domperidone for nausea or vomiting, you can stop taking it when you start to feel better.
• Always take your domperidone exactly as your healthcare provider has told you.
• The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much domperidone to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.

• Domperidone is best taken about 15 to 30 minutes before meals, with a glass of water.
• If you take domperidone after a meal, it will still work, but it may take longer to have an effect.
• Missed dose: It's not harmful if you miss a dose of domperidone. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. But, if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time.  Don't take double the dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking domperidone. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Driving: Domperidone can make you feel tired or dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Alcohol: Domperidone can make you feel tired or dizzy.  Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while taking domperidone. Alcohol may increase these side-effects.
• Other medicines: Domperidone interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting domperidone and before starting any new products.
• Indigestion medicines: If you also take indigestion remedies, take them at least 2 hours before or after you take your domperidone.
• Grapefruit, grapefruit juice or sour/Seville oranges: Avoid grapefruit, grapefruit juice or foods containing grapefruit while taking domperidone. It can increase your chance of side effects. Read more about  grapefruit and medicines.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, domperidone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Changes in heart rate

Domeperidone can cause changes in your heart rate or abnormal heart rhythms. This is more likely to happen if you already have problems with your heart, are at risk of getting heart problems (such as have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight, have diabetes, smoke and drink large amounts of alcohol), are over 60 years old and take more than 30 mg per day. Taking domperidone with some other medicines can also cause changes in your heart rate.

• Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting domperidone or before starting any new medicines.
• If you get symptoms such as dizziness, fainting or heart palpitations while you're taking domperidone, you should stop taking it and seek medical attention. These symptoms may be due to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by domperidone.

Common side effects

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you.

• Dry mouth. Sip water to moisten the mouth. Read more about how to care for dry mouth.
• Feeling sleepy, drowsy, or tired. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Don’t drink alcohol.
• Headache.
• Feeling anxious
• Diarrhoea (runny stools).
   

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Sore or enlarged breasts (in men or women)
• Irregular periods
• Signs of movement related side effects such as shaking (tremor), muscle spasms or muscle cramps or restlessness.
   

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.
   

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.